Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Martinez California
The most important first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Martinez CA. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Martinez CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Martinez CA dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a great option for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Martinez CA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Martinez CA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Martinez CA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Martinez CA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Check if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Martinez CA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Martinez CA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Martinez CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Martinez CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Martinez
Choose the Best Martinez Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Martinez California.
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